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Elliott T, Merlano Gomez M, Morris D, Wilson C, Pilitsis JG. A scoping review of mechanisms of auricular acupuncture for treatment of pain. Postgrad Med 2024; 136:255-265. [PMID: 38501597 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2024.2333232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Auricular acupuncture (AA) is becoming increasingly common in primary care clinics, emergency departments and peri-operatively for pain relief. Over the last decade, since the last comprehensive reviews were published, the literature has expanded. In this scoping review, we seek to document the efficacy of AA in treating both acute and chronic pain, describe the mechanism of action of AA in treating pain, and discuss how AA has been integrated into Western medicine to date. METHODS The authors performed a MEDLINE search inclusive of articles from 1966 to June 2023 including articles written in English identifying literature. We included human studies when more than 3 patients were included. Three hundred and fourteen unique articles were identified and 152 were selected by title screen. After abstract review, 117 were chosen for full-text review. Following full-text review, 33 articles were excluded and 21 added from references, totaling 105 articles included in our scoping review. RESULTS AA reduces pain severity in patients with both acute and chronic pain. The best studies in the acute settings have occurred in the peri-operative setting where sham AA is employed, multiple sessions of AA are given, and medication dosing is carefully monitored. In these cases, AA reduced pain and post-operative medications. In patients with chronic pain, multiple sessions of AA resulted not only in pain relief but also in improvements in function and disability. Literature suggests that AA works through multiple mechanisms with the most compelling data coupled to the autonomic nervous system and neuroendocrine system. Curriculums designed to teach AA and aid in implementation have been published. CONCLUSION AA is an accessible, effective means of pain relief. AA is relatively straightforward to learn, and protocols and curriculums exist to teach healthcare professionals this valuable skill. Overcoming implementation barriers, including patient education, are essential next steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trish Elliott
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Maria Merlano Gomez
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Deborah Morris
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Candy Wilson
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Julie G Pilitsis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Baldawi M, McKelvey G, Patel VR, Krish B, Kumar AJ, Patel P. Battlefield Acupuncture Use for Perioperative Anesthesia in Veterans Affairs Surgical Patients: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2022; 28:683-688. [PMID: 35527689 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The risks from opioid use are well known in and mandate nonpharmacological modalities for the management of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of battlefield acupuncture (BFA) as an adjunct therapy for postoperative pain in U.S. veteran patients undergoing major surgery under general anesthesia. Methods: Patients undergoing major surgery performed under general anesthesia from June 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either BFA or sham acupuncture. Outcomes such as pain intensity measured by visual analog scale score, opioid consumption, and the incidence of analgesia-related adverse effects were compared between the study groups. Results: A total of 72 subjects were included in this study (36 subjects in each study group). The median 24-h opioid postoperative consumption measured in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was lower in the BFA group compared to the sham acupuncture group (18.3 [±12.2] MME vs. 38.6 [±15.9] MME, p < 0.001). Pain intensity reported by patients at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h postoperatively was lower in the BFA group compared to the sham acupuncture group. The incidence of postsurgical nausea and vomiting was lower in patients receiving BFA compared to patients receiving sham acupuncture. There were no intergroup differences in terms of postoperative anxiety or hospital length of stay. Conclusion: The results from this study reveal the potential clinical benefits of using BFA for reducing pain intensity and opioid requirements in surgical patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanad Baldawi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Services, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - George McKelvey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Services, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Surgical Services, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Vijval R Patel
- Department of Surgical Services, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Brinda Krish
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Services, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Aashish Jay Kumar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Services, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Padmavathi Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Services, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Surgical Services, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Chen CC, Chen SP, Lyu SY, Hsu CH. Application of Auriculotherapy for Post-Burn Scar Syndrome in Young Adults with Major Burns. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14:127-136. [DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.4.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cha-Chun Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - San-Pei Chen
- Department of Sport and Health Management, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yu Lyu
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yang Y, Wen J, Hong J. The Effects of Auricular Therapy for Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:1618767. [PMID: 32565846 PMCID: PMC7267873 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1618767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of auricular therapy for cancer pain. METHODS A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library databases, CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, and CBM for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS Of the 275 screened studies, nine RCTs involving 783 patients with cancer pain were systematically reviewed. Compared with drug therapy, auricular therapy plus drug therapy has significant advantages both in the effective rate for pain relief (RR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.22, 1.60; P < 0.00001) and adverse effects rate (RR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.37, 0.58; P < 0.00001). And the result revealed that auricular acupuncture had superior pain-relieving effects as compared with sham auricular acupuncture (SMD = -1.45; 95% CI -2.80, -0.09; P=0.04). However, the analysis indicated no difference on the effective rate for pain relief between auricular therapy and drug therapy (RR = 1.24; 95% CI 0.71, 2.16; P=0.46). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis indicated that auricular therapy is effective and safe for the treatment of cancer pain, and auricular therapy plus drug therapy is more effective than drug therapy alone, whether in terms of pain relief or adverse reactions. However, the included RCTs had some methodological limitations; future large, rigor, and high-quality RCTs are still needed to confirm the benefits of auricular therapy on cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Yang
- Department of Acupuncture, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Wen
- Department of Oncology, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianyun Hong
- Department of Acupuncture, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, Guangdong, China
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Sampaio-Filho H, Bussadori SK, Gonçalves MLL, da Silva DDFT, Borsatto MC, Tortamano IP, Longo PL, Pavani C, Fernandes KPS, Mesquita-Ferrari RA, Horliana ACRT. Low-level laser treatment applied at auriculotherapy points to reduce postoperative pain in third molar surgery: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197989. [PMID: 29920521 PMCID: PMC6007895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effectiveness of LLL (Low level laser therapy) in auriculotherapy points for pain reduction following lower third molar extractions. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. METHODS Eighty-four bilateral, symmetrical third molar surgeries were performed in 42 healthy patients using a split-mouth design. In the immediate postoperative period, each side was randomly treated in a single-blind method with an LLL at the auriculotherapy points or simulation of its use (contralateral side) over a 21-day interval. This protocol was repeated 24 and 48 hours after surgery. All patients used the same analgesic (paracetamol) but only in case of pain. The primary variable was postoperative pain according to the visual analogue scale, and the secondary variables were mouth opening, edema, local temperature, dysphagia, and the presence of infection (systemic temperature, lymphadenopathy). These variables were evaluated at baseline and at 24 hours, 48 hours and seven days after surgery. Adverse effects were recorded and reported. RESULTS There was no difference between the groups in relation to any of the evaluated parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION For this experimental model, application of a low-intensity laser at auriculotherapy points did not prevent postoperative pain following lower third molar surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; the registration number is NCT02657174 and the Unique Protocol ID number is 1.100.869. (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/EditRecord.vm?epmode=View&listmode=Edit&uid=U0002BEY&ts=11&sid=S0006026&cx=6g4wff).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio Sampaio-Filho
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra Kalil Bussadori
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Leticia Leal Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Christiane Pavani
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Jan AL, Aldridge ES, Rogers IR, Visser EJ, Bulsara MK, Niemtzow RC. Does Ear Acupuncture Have a Role for Pain Relief in the Emergency Setting? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Med Acupunct 2017; 29:276-289. [PMID: 29067138 PMCID: PMC5653340 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2017.1237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Ear acupuncture might be the form of acupuncture best suited to improving acute pain management in the emergency department (ED). The primary aim of this review was to assess the analgesic efficacy of ear acupuncture in the ED. Secondary outcomes included measures of patient satisfaction, adverse effects, cost, administration techniques, and reduction of medication usage. Methods: Seven databases and Google Scholar were searched up to April 27, 2017, using MeSH descriptors for three overarching themes (ear acupuncture, pain management, and emergency medicine). Meta-analyses were performed in 3 comparator groups: (1) ear acupuncture versus sham; (2) ear acupuncture-as-adjunct to standard care; and (3) ear acupuncture (both as sole therapy and adjuvant) versus control to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and weighted mean difference (WMD) for pain scores out of 10. Results: Six randomized controlled trials and 2 observational studies, totaling 458 patients, were retrieved after exclusions. The meta-analysis used data from 4 randomized studies representing 286 patients. The above 3 comparator groups resulted in SMDs of 1.69, 1.68, and 1.66, and WMDs of 2.47, 2.84, and 2.61 respectively, all favoring acupuncture. Battlefield (ear) acupuncture was the most commonly used technique. There were no significant adverse effects and patient satisfaction improved. Results regarding if acupuncture reduced medication use were equivocal. Significant study bias and heterogeneity were found. Conclusions: While study numbers are limited, ear acupuncture, either as stand-alone or as-an-adjunct technique, significantly reduced pain scores and has potential benefits for use in the ED. Further studies will define acupuncture's role and if it reduces use of analgesic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L. Jan
- Emergency Department, St. John of God Hospital Murdoch Western Australia, Murdoch, Western Australia
| | - Emogene S. Aldridge
- Emergency Department, St. John of God Hospital Murdoch Western Australia, Murdoch, Western Australia
| | - Ian R. Rogers
- Emergency Department, St. John of God Hospital Murdoch Western Australia, Murdoch, Western Australia
- Emergency Medicine, University of Notre Dame Fremantle, Fremantle, Western Australia
| | - Eric J. Visser
- Churack Chair of Chronic Pain Education and Research, University of Notre Dame Fremantle, Fremantle, Western Australia
| | - Max K. Bulsara
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Fremantle, Fremantle, Western Australia
| | - Richard C. Niemtzow
- United States Air Force Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Center, Joint Base Andrews, MD
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Sampaio-Filho H, Sotto-Ramos J, Pinto EH, Cabral MR, Longo PL, Tortamano IP, Marcos RL, Silva DFT, Pavani C, Horliana ACRT. Evaluation of low-level laser at auriculotherapy points to reduce postoperative pain in inferior third molar surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2016; 17:432. [PMID: 27590454 PMCID: PMC5010672 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A comfortable postoperative return to daily activities has increased the need to control inflammation after third molar surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are not exempt from adverse effects such as allergies and chronic gastritis, and they are not without cost. The association between low-level laser and auricular acupuncture can be an alternative when conventional drugs are contraindicated. Among its advantages, we can mention the low risk of side effects, low cost and simplicity of application. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of low-level laser at auriculotherapy points in reducing postoperative pain in lower third molar surgery. Methods/design Ninety bilateral, symmetrical lower third molar surgeries will be performed in 45 healthy patients. Each patient will be their own control, through a split-mouth crossover study. One side of the mouth will be randomly chosen and, immediately after surgery, will be treated with low-level laser. After 21 days, the contralateral side will be operated on with low-level laser simulation used postoperatively. This regimen (laser application or not) will be repeated at 24 and 48 h after surgery. All patients will be requested to take analgesics (acetaminophen) if they have pain, i.e. in case of pain. Neither the surgeon nor the patients will know the assigned treatment. The primary variable will be postoperative pain assessed using a Visual Analog Scale, and the secondary variables will be trismus, edema, local temperature, dysphagia, presence of infection and painkiller ingestion. These variables will be assessed at baseline, 24 h, 48 h and 7 days after surgery. Blood samples for systemic inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8) analysis will be assessed at baseline and 24 h after surgery. Discussion Some authors believe that using a wavelength of 633 to 670 nm is a good option for laser therapy in the field of acupuncture. This wavelength can penetrate biological tissue to a depth of about 3 mm. However, for auriculotherapy points, the stimulus (mustard seeds, needles 1 to 2.5 mm) does not penetrate so deeply. For this reason, we chose a laser wavelength of 660 nm (red wavelength). Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02657174, registered on 11 January 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1540-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio Sampaio-Filho
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliane Sotto-Ramos
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erika Horácio Pinto
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Regina Cabral
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Larcher Longo
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Labat Marcos
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fátima Teixeira Silva
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christine Pavani
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini Horliana
- Postgraduate program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, R. Vergueiro, 235/249, CEP 01504-001, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Abstract
Most doctors in Britain receive some training in the care of the burned patient, if not as an undergraduate then as part of training in accident and emergency medicine or in the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) course. Because major burn injury presents infrequently to the average district hospital, most of this training is rusty by the time it is needed. Further, most have little opportunity to catch up with developments in this very specialized area of trauma medicine. This paper aims to address some of these shortcomings by describing recent advances in burn care and highlighting areas of current debate. The fluids used for resuscitation, improved options for treatment, the status of ongoing discussions about treatment facilities and the state of the art in managing smoke inhalation are reviewed. Some pointers to the future and to avenues for research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Judkins
- Pinderfields Burn Centre, Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK, ,
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The effects of electroacupuncture on analgesia and peripheral sensory thresholds in patients with burn scar pain. Burns 2015; 41:1298-305. [PMID: 26188894 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to observe if the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on analgesia and peripheral sensory thresholds are transposable from the model of heat pain in volunteers to the clinical setting of burn scar pain. After severe burns, pathological burn scars (PPBS) may occur with excruciating pain that respond poorly to treatment and prevent patients from wearing their pressure garments, thereby leading to unesthetic and function-limiting scars. EA might be of greater benefit in terms of analgesia and functional recovery, should it interrupt this vicious circle by counteracting the peripheral hyperalgesia characterizing PPBS. Therefore we enrolled 32 patients (22 males/10 females) aged of 46±11 years with clinical signs of PPBS and of neuropathic pain despite treatment. The study protocol consisted in 3 weekly 30-min sessions of standardized EA with extra individual needles in accordance to Traditional Chinese Medicine, in addition of previous treatments. We assessed VAS for pain and quantitative sensory testing (QST) twice: one week before and one after protocol. QST measured electrical thresholds for non-nociceptive A-beta fibers, nociceptive A-delta and C fibers in 2 dermatomes, respectively from the PPBS and from the contralateral pain-free areas. Based on heat pain studies, EA consisted in sessions at the extremity points of the main meridian flowing through PPBS (0.300s, 5Hz, sub noxious intensity, 15min) and at the bilateral paravertebral points corresponding to the same metameric level, 15min. VAS reduction of 3 points or below 3 on a 10 points scale was considered clinically relevant. Paired t-test compared thresholds (mean [SD]) and Wilcoxon test compared VAS (median [IQR]) pre and after treatment, significant p<0.05. The reduction of VAS for pain reached statistical but not clinical relevance (6.8 [3] vs. 4.5 [3.6]). This was due to a large subgroup of 14 non-responders whose VAS did not change after treatment (6.6 [2.7] vs. 7.2 [3.8]). That subgroup exhibited significant differences in sensory thresholds when compared to the 18 responders (VAS from 7 [3] to 3 [1]). First, responders' thresholds for A-delta and C fibers in the PPBS area were significantly lower than those in the pain-free area before treatment but corrected after acupuncture (from respectively 60 [30] and 63 [10]% to 91 [11] and 106 [36]%). That might account for a nociceptive hypersensitivity in the PPBS that corrected after treatment. On the contrary, in non-responders nociceptive thresholds were similar in both the PPBS and the pain-free areas before treatment and did not change after EA. However, absolute values for thresholds in the pain-free areas where significantly lower for non-responders than for responders. The fact that non-responders had significant pain scores while presenting with lowered nociceptive thresholds even in the pain-free areas might evoke the possibility of a generalized supra-spinal hyperalgesia. The fact that acupuncture did not correct the pain nor the nociceptive thresholds in this subgroup requires further investigation. We also observed a statistically and clinically relevant reduction in VAS for pruritus for all patients - even those from the subgroup of non-responders to pain - that is worth to be mentioned and requires further studies to be confirmed. This observational study is the first that confirms the effects of acupuncture on analgesia and nociceptive thresholds in the clinical setting of burn pain only for patients presenting with a burn-localized but not a generalized hyperalgesia.
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Yeh CH, Kwai-Ping Suen L, Chien LC, Margolis L, Liang Z, Glick RM, Morone NE. Day-to-Day Changes of Auricular Point Acupressure to Manage Chronic Low Back Pain: A 29-day Randomized Controlled Study. PAIN MEDICINE 2015; 16:1857-69. [PMID: 25988270 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 4-week auricular point acupressure (APA) treatment on chronic low back pain (CLBP) outcomes and examine the day-to-day variability of CLBP in individuals receiving APA for CLBP over 29 days. DESIGN This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Data were collected at baseline, during each of the four office visits for APA treatment, after the completion of the 4-week intervention, and 1 month after the last treatment. A daily diary was given to each participant to record his or her APA practices, analgesic use, and pain intensity. INTERVENTIONS APA was used to manage CLBP. The participants received one APA treatment per week for 4 weeks. PATIENTS AND SETTING Sixty-one participants with CLBP were randomized into either a real APA or sham APA treatment group. Participants were recruited from primary care offices and clinics or through the Research Participant Registry at the University of Pittsburgh. RESULTS Among participants in the real APA group, a 30% reduction of worst pain was exhibited after the first day of APA treatment, and continuous reduction in pain (44%) was reported by the completion of the 4-week APA. This magnitude of pain reduction reached the clinically significant level of improvement reported in other clinical trials of chronic pain therapies. Analgesic use by participants in the real APA group also was reduced compared with use by participants in the sham group. CONCLUSION This study shows that APA is a promising pain management strategy that is not invasive and can be self-managed by participants for CLBP. Given the day-to-day fluctuation in ratings, the tighter ecologic assessment of pain scores and other treatment parameters are an important pragmatic aspect of the design of chronic pain studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lung-Chang Chien
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health at San Antonio Regional Campus, Research to Advance Community Health Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Regional Campus
| | | | - Zhan Liang
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Ronald M Glick
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh.,Department of Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh.,Department of Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Natalia E Morone
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Veterans Administration, Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
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Abstract
Maximizing the effectiveness of any wound treatment requires that normal wound-healing dynamics are appreciated. In considering adjuvant wound therapies, the clinical evidence supporting a therapy must be fully understood. The biological changes associated with electroacupuncture can have a positive effect on wound healing, although limited clinical data are available.
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Yeh CH, Chiang YC, Hoffman SL, Liang Z, Klem ML, Tam WWS, Chien LC, Suen LKP. Efficacy of auricular therapy for pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:934670. [PMID: 25165482 PMCID: PMC4140110 DOI: 10.1155/2014/934670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of auricular therapy by including a sham therapy control group. Methods. Relevant, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified by searching medical related databases from, depending on journal, 1900 (at the earliest) to 1994 (at the latest) through May 2013. The outcome measure was a pain intensity score. Results. Twenty-two RCTs were identified and 13 RCTs were included for meta-analysis. In these studies, auricular therapy provided significant pain relief when compared to a sham or control group. The overall standardized mean differences (SMD) was 1.59 (95% CI [-2.36, -0.82]) (13 trials, total subject numbers = 806), indicating that, on average, the mean decrease in pain score for auricular therapy group was 1.59 standard deviations greater than the mean decrease for the sham control. In terms of the efficacy of the different treatment methods, auricular acupressure boasts the largest strength of evidence for pain relief, followed by auricular acupuncture. Electroacupuncture stimulation did not show significant evidence for efficacy, which may be due to the small sample size (i.e., only 19 subjects were included). Conclusion. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to determine the efficacy of auricular therapy for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hsing Yeh
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, 440 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yi Chien Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No. 261,Wen-hwa 1st Road, Kwei-shan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Samuel L. Hoffman
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, 440 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Zhan Liang
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, 440 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Mary Lou Klem
- Falk Library, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Wilson W. S. Tam
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese Hong Kong University, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Chang Chien
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio Regional Campus, Research to Advance Community Health Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Regional Campus, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1050 Room 505, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lorna Kwai-Ping Suen
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Gardner SE, Blodgett NP, Hillis SL, Borhart E, Malloy L, Abbott L, Pezzella P, Jensen M, Sommer T, Sluka KA, Rakel BA. HI-TENS reduces moderate-to-severe pain associated with most wound care procedures: a pilot study. Biol Res Nurs 2013; 16:310-9. [PMID: 23956353 DOI: 10.1177/1099800413498639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study systematically examined pain associated with wound care procedures (WCPs) and evaluated the effectiveness of high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (HI-TENS) for reducing this pain in a two-phase design. Phase 1 (N = 57) examined patient, wound, and procedural factors, as well as analgesic intake, associated with WCPs. Pain during the WCPs was rated on a 0-10 numerical scale. Subjects reported a mean pain of 6.0 (standard deviation 3.04) during Phase 1, with 43 (75.4%) subjects experiencing moderate or severe pain (i.e., ≥4). Subjects who received opioid and/or nonopioid analgesia 1 hr before or during the WCPs (36.8%) reported significantly higher pain levels than those who had not received analgesia (p = .013). In Phase 2, 23 subjects with ≥4 pain during Phase 1 had HI-TENS applied to the area surrounding the wound during the WCPs. HI-TENS significantly reduced WCP pain by a mean of 2.0 (±2.31; effect size = 0.67; p = .001). This effect was significant for subjects with severe Phase 1 pain (i.e., ≥8; effect size = 1.00; p = .007) but not for subjects with moderate Phase 1 pain (i.e., 4-7; effect size = 0.40; p = .053). These findings demonstrate that pain during WCPs is a significant problem, that nurses appropriately administer analgesics but these are not sufficient, and that using HI-TENS may further reduce pain, particularly in patients experiencing severe WCP pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue E Gardner
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Stephen L Hillis
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ellen Borhart
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lynna Malloy
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Linda Abbott
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Pat Pezzella
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Marge Jensen
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Teresa Sommer
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kathleen A Sluka
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Barbara A Rakel
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Edwards E, Belard JL, Glowa J, Khalsa P, Weber W, Huntley K. DoD-NCCAM/NIH workshop on acupuncture for treatment of acute pain. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19:266-79. [PMID: 23020611 PMCID: PMC3608148 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.9229.dod] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cosponsored a workshop that explored the possible benefits of acupuncture treatment for acute pain. One goal of the workshop was to establish a roadmap to building an evidence base on that would indicate whether acupuncture is helpful for treating active-duty military personnel experiencing acute pain. The workshop highlighted brief presentations on the most current research on acupuncture and acute pain mechanisms. The impact of various modifiers (stress, genetics, population, phenotypes, etc.) on acute pain pathways and response to acupuncture treatment was discussed. Additional presentations focused on common neural mechanisms, an overview of real-world experience with using acupuncture to treat traumatic acute pain, and best tools and methods specific for acupuncture studies. Three breakout groups addressed the gaps, opportunities, and barriers to acupuncture use for acute pain in military and trauma settings. Different models of effectiveness research and optimal research designs for conducting trials in acute traumatic pain were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline Edwards
- Division of Extramural Research, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Auricular point acupressure for chronic low back pain: a feasibility study for 1-week treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:383257. [PMID: 22811745 PMCID: PMC3395299 DOI: 10.1155/2012/383257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. The objective of this one-group, repeated-measures design was to explore the acceptance of auricular point acupressure (APA) to reduce chronic low back pain (CLBP) and estimate minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) for pain intensity change. Methods. Subjects received 7-day APA treatment. After appropriate acupoints were identified, vaccaria seeds were carefully taped onto each selected auricular point for 7-day. The Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI) was used to collect outcome data. Results. A total of 74 subjects participated in the study. Ten subjects dropped out and the retention rate was 87%. Subjects reported a 46% reduction in BPI worst pain, and over 50% reduction in BPI average pain, overall pain severity and pain interference by the end of study, and 62.5% subjects also reported less pain medication use. The MCIDs for the subscale of BPI ranged from .70 to 1.86 points. The percentage improvement of MCIDs from baseline was between 14.5-24.9%. Discussion. APA appears to be highly acceptable to patients with CLBP. A sham group is needed in order to differentiate the true effects of APA from the possible psychological effects of more frequent visits by the auricular therapist and patients' expectation of the APA treatment.
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Mahar PD, Wasiak J, O'Loughlin CJ, Christelis N, Arnold CA, Spinks AB, Danilla S. Frequency and use of pain assessment tools implemented in randomized controlled trials in the adult burns population: a systematic review. Burns 2011; 38:147-54. [PMID: 22032806 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2011.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 09/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pain continues to be an ongoing issue of concern in adult burn patients. Inadequate pain assessment hinders meaningful research, and prevents the optimal management of burn pain. The objective of this study was to examine the content of existing research in burn pain with the frequency and context of pain assessment tool use in randomized clinical trials in order to further inform their use for future researchers and clinicians. METHODS Electronic searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases from 1966 onwards were used to identify English articles related to clinical trials utilising pain assessment in adult burns patients. RESULTS The systematic literature search identified 25 randomized clinical trials utilising pain assessment tools. Unidimensional pain assessment tools were most frequently used pain assessment tools, with multidimensional tools used less often, despite the multifaceted and complex nature of burn pain. CONCLUSION The review highlights the lack of consistency of pain assessment tool use in randomized clinical trials with respect to managing burn pain. We recommend a broader but consistent use of multidimensional pain assessment tools for researchers undertaking clinical trials in this field. The review supports the need for an international expert consensus to identify the necessary critical outcomes and domains for clinicians and researchers undertaking further research into burn pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Mahar
- Victorian Adult Burns Service and Acute Pain Service, Department of Anaesthesia & Peri-operative Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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A randomized controlled trial of auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for managing posthysterectomy pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:276769. [PMID: 21716709 PMCID: PMC3118782 DOI: 10.1155/2011/276769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background. A patient- and assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effectiveness of auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in relieving posthysterectomy pain.
Method. Forty-eight women who had undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 16 each) to receive either (i) auricular TENS to therapeutic points (the true TENS group), (ii) auricular TENS to inappropriate points (the sham TENS group), or (iii) 20 minutes of bed rest with no stimulation (the control group). The intervention was delivered about 24 hours after the operation. A visual analogue scale was used to assess pain while resting (VAS-rest) and upon huffing (VAS-huff) and coughing (VAS-cough), and the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was assessed before and at 0, 15, and 30 minutes after the intervention.
Result. As compared to the baseline, only the true TENS group reported a significant reduction in VAS-rest (P = .001), VAS-huff (P = .004), and VAS-cough (P = .001), while no significant reduction in any of the VAS scores was seen in the sham TENS group (all P > .05). In contrast, a small rising trend was observed in the VAS-rest and VAS-huff scores of the control group, while the VAS-cough score remained largely unchanged during the period of the study. A between-group comparison revealed that all three VAS scores of the true TENS group were significantly lower than those of the control group at 15 and 30 minutes after the intervention (all P < .02). No significant between-group difference was observed in PEFR at any point in time. Conclusion. A single session of auricular TENS applied at specific therapeutic points significantly reduced resting (VAS-rest) and movement-evoked pain (VAS-huff, VAS-cough), and the effects lasted for at least 30 minutes after the stimulation. The analgesic effects of auricular TENS appeared to be point specific and could not be attributed to the placebo effect alone. However, auricular TENS did not produce any significant improvement in the performance of PEFR.
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Asher GN, Motsinger-Reif AA, Jonas DE, Viera AJ. Quality of Reporting on Randomised Controlled Trials of Auriculotherapy for Pain. Acupunct Med 2011; 29:122-6. [DOI: 10.1136/aim.2010.003475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective The authors investigated the quality of reporting for randomised controlled trials of auriculotherapy for pain before and after the implementation of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines. Methods The authors identified randomised controlled trials of auriculotherapy that measured pain or pain medication use as a primary outcome and were published in English in peer-reviewed journals. Proportions of studies that reported STRICTA and CONSORT items were compared for the years before and after implementation of STRICTA (2001) using Fisher's exact tests. Global differences across all study factors were investigated using hierarchical clustering and principle component analysis (PCA). Results 15 studies met our inclusion criteria. On average, 11 studies (74%) reported STRICTA items and eight studies (54%) reported CONSORT items. Differences in reporting between pre and post-STRICTA studies were found for two CONSORT items (randomised sequence and treatment provider) but no STRICTA items. However, the results of cluster analysis and PCA detected global differences over time for both STRICTA and CONSORT items. Conclusion Quality of reporting for studies of auriculotherapy for pain appears to have generally improved since the implementation of STRICTA and CONSORT guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary N Asher
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Program on Integrative Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Daniel E Jonas
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony J Viera
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Asher GN, Jonas DE, Coeytaux RR, Reilly AC, Loh YL, Motsinger-Reif AA, Winham SJ. Auriculotherapy for pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med 2011; 16:1097-108. [PMID: 20954963 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Side-effects of standard pain medications can limit their use. Therefore, nonpharmacologic pain relief techniques such as auriculotherapy may play an important role in pain management. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating auriculotherapy for pain management. DESIGN MEDLINE,(®) ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, AMED, and Cochrane Library were searched through December 2008. Randomized trials comparing auriculotherapy to sham, placebo, or standard-of-care control were included that measured outcomes of pain or medication use and were published in English. Two (2) reviewers independently assessed trial eligibility, quality, and abstracted data to a standardized form. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for studies using a pain score or analgesic requirement as a primary outcome. RESULTS Seventeen (17) studies met inclusion criteria (8 perioperative, 4 acute, and 5 chronic pain). Auriculotherapy was superior to controls for studies evaluating pain intensity (SMD, 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85, 2.26]; 8 studies). For perioperative pain, auriculotherapy reduced analgesic use (SMD, 0.54 [95% CI: 0.30, 0.77]; 5 studies). For acute pain and chronic pain, auriculotherapy reduced pain intensity (SMD for acute pain, 1.35 [95% CI: 0.08, 2.64], 2 studies; SMD for chronic pain, 1.84 [95% CI: 0.60, 3.07], 5 studies). Removal of poor quality studies did not alter the conclusions. Significant heterogeneity existed among studies of acute and chronic pain, but not perioperative pain. CONCLUSIONS Auriculotherapy may be effective for the treatment of a variety of types of pain, especially postoperative pain. However, a more accurate estimate of the effect will require further large, well-designed trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary N Asher
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Chung WY, Zhang HQ, Zhang SP. Peripheral muscarinic receptors mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of auricular acupuncture. Chin Med 2011; 6:3. [PMID: 21251313 PMCID: PMC3033863 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cholinergic and opioid systems play important roles in modulating inflammation. This study tests whether auricular acupuncture (AA) produces anti-inflammatory effects via opioid and peripheral cholinergic receptors in a rat model. METHODS Rats were anesthetized with chloral hydrate and inflammation was induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan. Electroacupuncture was performed at auricular points bilaterally. The severity of inflammation was assessed using changes in paw volume and thermal and mechanical pain thresholds of the rats during recovery from anesthesia. RESULTS Electroacupuncture at selected auricular acupoints significantly reduced paw edema and mechanical hyperalgesia, with no significant effect on thermal hyperalgesia. The anti-edematous and analgesic effects of AA were abolished by blockade of peripheral cholinergic muscarinic receptors with methyl atropine. Blockade of local muscarinic receptors at the inflamed site with a small dose of atropine also antagonized the anti-edematous effect of AA. By contrast, systemic opioid receptor blockade with naloxone did not antagonize the anti-inflammatory effects of AA. CONCLUSION This study discovers a role of peripheral muscarinic receptors in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of AA. The cholinergic muscarinic mechanism appears to be more important than the opioid mechanism in the anti-inflammatory action of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Yeung Chung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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21
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Abstract
Burn rehabilitation is an essential component of successful patient care. In May 2008, a group of burn rehabilitation clinicians met to discuss the status and future needs of burn rehabilitation. Fifteen topic areas pertinent to clinical burn rehabilitation were addressed. Consensus positions and suggested future research directions regarding the physical aspects of burn rehabilitation are shared.
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Cantinho FADF, Silva ACPD. [Assessment of the use of racemic ketamine and its S(+) isomer, associated or not with low doses of fentanyl, in balneotherapy for major burn patients]. Rev Bras Anestesiol 2009; 59:396-408. [PMID: 19669014 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-70942009000400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The care of the wounds of major burn patients triggers severe painful stimuli. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of different drug combinations in anesthesia for balneotherapy. METHODS After approval by the Ethics Commission, 200 procedures of balneotherapy in 87 major burn adult patients were evaluated. Midazolam was used in all cases. The vials of ketamine were numbered and, therefore, at the time of the use, one did not know whether racemic or S(+)ketamine was being used. Each morning it was decided by drawing lots whether fentanyl would be used or not in the procedures of that day. Patients were included in one of four groups: ISO/sf (S(+) isomer without fentanyl), ISO/cf (S(+) isomer with fentanyl), RAC/sf (racemic ketamine without fentanyl), and RAC/cf (racemic ketamine with fentanyl). The initial doses proposed were as follows: midazolam, 0.06 mg.kg-1; ketamine, 1.0 to 1.1 mg.kg-1; and fentanyl, 0.8 (1/4)g.kg1-1; additional doses were administered as needed. RESULTS Only one patient recalled the pain of balneotherapy. In the group that received S(+)ketamine, the use of fentanyl did not bring additional advantages; however, when associated with racemic ketamine, fentanyl reduced the total dose and the number of ketamine boluses. The extension of body surface burned was the main determinant of the severity of post-procedure pain. Reduced pain severity was the main factor considered by patients when grading their satisfaction with the anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS The four different drug combinations proved to be safe and guaranteed the absence of pain during balneotherapy. Characteristics not directly related to the anesthetics proved to be more important in the incidence of post-procedure pain, which was the main factor considered by major burn patient to define their satisfaction with the anesthesia used.
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Gregoretti C, Decaroli D, Piacevoli Q, Mistretta A, Barzaghi N, Luxardo N, Tosetti I, Tedeschi L, Burbi L, Navalesi P, Azzeri F. Analgo-sedation of patients with burns outside the operating room. Drugs 2009; 68:2427-43. [PMID: 19016572 DOI: 10.2165/0003495-200868170-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Following the initial resuscitation of burn patients, the pain experienced may be divided into a 'background' pain and a 'breakthrough' pain associated with painful procedures. While background pain may be treated with intravenous opioids via continuous infusion or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and/or less potent oral opioids, breakthrough pain may be treated with a variety of interventions. The aim is to reduce patient anxiety, improve analgesia and ensure immobilization when required. Untreated pain and improper sedation may result in psychological distress such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression or delirium. This review summarizes recent developments and current techniques in sedation and analgesia in non-intubated adult burn patients during painful procedures performed outside the operating room (e.g. staple removal, wound-dressing, bathing). Current techniques of sedation and analgesia include different approaches, from a slight increase in background pain therapy (e.g. morphine PCA) to PCA with rapid-onset opioids, to multimodal drug combinations, nitrous oxide, regional blocks, or non-pharmacological approaches such as hypnosis and virtual reality. The most reliable way to administer drugs is intravenously. Fast-acting opioids can be combined with ketamine, propofol or benzodiazepines. Adjuvant drugs such as clonidine or NSAIDs and paracetamol (acetaminophen) have also been used. Patients receiving ketamine will usually maintain spontaneous breathing. This is an important feature in patients who are continuously turned during wound dressing procedures and where analgo-sedation is often performed by practitioners who are not specialists in anaesthesiology. Drugs are given in small boluses or by patient-controlled sedation, which is titrated to effect, according to sedation and pain scales. Patient-controlled infusion with propofol has also been used. However, we must bear in mind that burn patients often show an altered pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response to drugs as a result of altered haemodynamics, protein binding and/or increased extracellular fluid volume, and possible changes in glomerular filtration. Because sedation and analgesia can range from minimal sedation (anxiolysis) to general anaesthesia, sedative and analgesic agents should always be administered by designated trained practitioners and not by the person performing the procedure. At least one individual who is capable of establishing a patent airway and positive pressure ventilation, as well as someone who can call for additional assistance, should always be present whenever analgo-sedation is administered. Oxygen should be routinely delivered during sedation. Blood pressure and continuous ECG monitoring should be carried out whenever possible, even if a patient is undergoing bathing or other procedures that may limit monitoring of vital pulse-oximetry parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Gregoretti
- Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera CTO-CRF-ICORMA, Turin, Italy
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Usichenko TI, Lehmann C, Ernst E. Auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Anaesthesia 2008; 63:1343-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2008.05632.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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de Jong AEE, Middelkoop E, Faber AW, Van Loey NEE. Non-pharmacological nursing interventions for procedural pain relief in adults with burns: a systematic literature review. Burns 2007; 33:811-27. [PMID: 17606326 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2006] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Adult burn patients experience pain during wound care despite pharmacological interventions. Additional nursing interventions are needed to improve pain management. A systematic review was undertaken in order to examine the implications of previous research for evidence based decisions concerning the use of non-pharmacological nursing interventions and for future research. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were discussed. The majority of the included studies concerned behavioural nursing interventions and focussed on promotion of psychological comfort. Although 17 studies showed that the intervention had a positive effect on pain outcomes and no adverse effects of the reviewed interventions were reported, the best available evidence was found for active hypnosis, rapid induction analgesia and distraction relaxation. However, in order to reduce methodological limitations, further research is needed before well-founded evidence based decisions for nursing practice can be made. Aspects that seem important for future research, like the type of the intervention, theoretical framework, manner of giving instruction and guidance, cost, outcomes, measurement instruments and data collection points are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E E de Jong
- Burn Centre, Red Cross Hospital, Vondellaan 13, 1942 LE Beverwijk, The Netherlands.
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Liao JM, Ting H, Lee SD, Yang CH, Liou YM, Peng ML, Tsai SJ, Lin CF, Lin TB. Electroacupuncture-induced pressor and chronotropic effects in anesthetized rats. Auton Neurosci 2006; 124:18-25. [PMID: 16459151 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2005.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2005] [Revised: 10/13/2005] [Accepted: 10/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The effects of electroacupuncture (Ea) on circulatory dynamics were investigated in anesthetized rats. The arterial blood pressure (BP) and the heart rate (HR) in response to Ea stimulations at the Tsusanli point (St-36) and the Hoku point (Li-4) were tested by a low frequency Ea (2 Hz; LFEa) and a high frequency Ea (20 Hz; HFEa) with stimulation intensities 20 times the motor threshold. Neither the HR nor the BP was affected when the Tsusanli point was stimulated. Whereas, Ea stimulations at the Hoku point elicit chronotropic and pressor effects. The patterns of pressor responses caused by the LFEa were different from that of an HFEa, i.e., the LFEa elicited a tonic effect, while an HFEa had a phasic one. The HFEa-induced pressor and chronotropic effects were attenuated, while the LFEa induced effects were completely blocked by an intravenous infusion of an alpha-adrenergic blocker (moxisylyte 0.2 mg/min/kg, i.v., for 20 min). A co-infusion with alpha-and beta-adrenergic blockers (propanolol 0.2 mg/min/kg, i.v., for 20 min) completely blocked the HFEa-induced pressor and chronotropic effects. We concluded that Ea stimulations, at the Hoku acupoint, with appropriate stimulation parameters can increase and maintain BP. Furthermore, the LFEa stimulation activates sympathetic vasomotor tone, whereas the HFEa stimulation causes an additional potentiation on the sympathetic drive to the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuan-Miaw Liao
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine Chung-Shan Medical University, No. 110, Chang-Kuo North Rd Section 1, Taichung, Taiwan 10018
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Abstract
Trauma is a major cause of mortality throughout the world. In recent years, major advances have been made in the management of trauma, the end result of which has been reduced mortality and enhanced function. One of these areas is pain control. Improved pain management has not only led to increased comfort in trauma patients, but has also been shown to reduce morbidity and improve long-term outcomes. This review focuses on the treatment of pain in the setting of acute injury and on pain management in trauma patients who go on to develop chronic pain. Emphasis is placed on pharmacologic interventions, invasive and noninvasive pain management techniques, analgesia in challenging patients, and pain control in commonly encountered trauma conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cohen
- Pain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Coimbra C, Choinière M, Hemmerling TM. Patient-controlled sedation using propofol for dressing changes in burn patients: a dose-finding study. Anesth Analg 2003; 97:839-842. [PMID: 12933412 DOI: 10.1213/01.ane.0000074236.76333.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The first change of dressings after skin grafting in burn patients is a source of great anxiety because of pain anticipation and the immediate and first confrontation with the result of skin grafting. We designed this dose-finding study to determine the feasibility and safety of patient-controlled sedation (PCS) using propofol during these procedures. Twenty patients were familiarized with the PCS and asked to use PCS whenever they felt uncomfortable or anxious. Analgesia was provided by a single bolus of morphine IV 15 min before the procedure according to their daily intake. The first 10 patients used a fixed bolus of propofol 0.3 mg/kg and a lockout of 5 min. The degree of sedation was measured using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. Demands versus delivery of propofol boluses were recorded. Within 1 h after the procedure, pain intensity was evaluated and satisfaction scores obtained from patients and nurses performing the dressing changes. In the first 10 patients, there were no respiratory rates <10 breaths/min, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were within 25% of baseline values, and peripheral saturation stayed more than 94% with additional small flow oxygen via nasal insufflation. There were double the demands than actual deliveries of propofol boluses. The BIS did not show significant decreases of <80 in any patient reflecting an insufficient state of sedation. Because the interim analysis of the efficacy of the PCS setup showed an insufficient state of sedation, a different PCS setup was evaluated in a second group of 10 patients (an individualized propofol bolus, titrated to achieve a significant decrease of BIS or a sleepy state, and no lockout period). The second group of patients showed a more effective sedation, with respiratory and hemodynamic variables being not significantly different from the first group of patients. PCS with propofol is feasible in burn patients and can be used safely. To provide an optimal sedation, we suggest to initially titrate the bolus to achieve a significant decrease of BIS or a clinically effective state of sedation and to abolish the lockout interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coimbra
- Department of *Anesthesiology and †Burn Centre, Hôtel-Dieu, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Zoghi M, Jaberzadeh S. Effects of High Voltage Electro-auriculotherapy on Experimental Pain Threshold. Physiotherapy 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9406(05)60108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Averill A, Cotter AC, Nayak S, Matheis RJ, Shiflett SC. Blood pressure response to acupuncture in a population at risk for autonomic dysreflexia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000; 81:1494-7. [PMID: 11083354 DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2000.9624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether acupuncture can lead to autonomic dysreflexia (AD) when used to treat chronic pain in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN Acupuncture analgesia study. SETTING Medical rehabilitation research center. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen participants with post-SCI chronic pain who were at risk for AD (ie, SCI at or above T8). INTERVENTIONS Half-hour acupuncture treatment sessions twice a week for 7.5 weeks, for a total of 15 treatments. Acupuncture needles were inserted both above and below the patient's spinal lesion level. Blood pressure (BP) was measured before and after acupuncture treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Participants monitored for signs and symptoms of AD. RESULTS On average, SBP and DBP remained stable across all 15 treatment sessions. None of the participants experienced any symptoms of AD. However, examination of individuals' BP readings indicated acute elevations (20 mmHg or higher) in SBP for 3 of the 15 participants. CONCLUSIONS Although none of the 15 participants who were at risk for developing AD developed symptoms consistent with this diagnosis, 3 displayed an acute elevation in SBP, suggesting a pattern of imminent AD. Comorbid hypertension appeared to contribute to the elevation in 1 patient. Therefore, careful monitoring of patients with SCI or hypertension during acupuncture treatments is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Averill
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, East Orange, NJ, USA
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Abstract
Burn pain can cause psychologic and functional difficulties, and is difficult to predict from wound depth. The initial painful stimulation of nerve endings by the burn with continued painful stimuli result in peripheral and central mechanisms causing amplification of painful stimuli, and the development of chronic pain syndromes that can be difficult to treat. In order to assess the effect of analgesic interventions it is essential to measure the patient's pain in a simple and reproducible manner. A number of tools exist for this measurement, ranging from longer and more detailed techniques such as the McGill pain questionnaire most suited to relatively stable pain, to visual analogue scores and picture-based scores for children. Pain management begins with the acute injury, with initial measures such as cooling of the burn and use of inhalational agents such as oxygen/nitrous oxide mixtures. On arrival in hospital, for any but trivial burns, intravenous opioids are appropriate and should be administered as small intravenous boluses titrated against effect. Following the initial resuscitation, pain may be divided into background pain and that associated with procedures. These often require different analgesic interventions. Background pain may be treated with potent intravenous opioids by infusion or patient controlled analgesia and then on to oral, less potent opioids, followed by other oral analgesics. Often drug combinations work best. More severe procedural pain may be treated with a variety of interventions from a slight increase in therapy for the background pain to more potent drugs, local blocks, or general anaesthesia. In addition to drug-based methods of managing burn pain, a number of nonpharmacologic approaches have been successfully employed including hypnosis, auricular electrical stimulation, massage, and a number of cognitive and behavioural techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gallagher
- University Department of Anaesthesia, North Glasgow University Hospitals Trust, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland
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Abstract
Opiates remain the most common form of analgesic therapy in the burn patient today. Because of increased opiate requirements, optimal relief of burn pain continues to be a problem for these patients. The purpose of this article is to summarize those alternative pain control methods that appear in the literature. For instance, in minor burns acetominophen continues to be a useful first line analgesic. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and benzodiazepine are generally combined with opiates while entonox seems to be used commonly in the adolescent patients to relieve procedural pain. Antidepressants appear to enhance opiate-induced analgesia while anticonvulsants are useful in the treatment of sympathetically maintained pain following burns. Ketamine has been extensively used during burn dressing changes but its psychological side-effects have limited its use. Clonidine, however, has shown promise in reducing pain without causing pruritus or respiratory depression. Other forms such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), psychological techniques, topical and systemic local anaesthetics are also useful adjuncts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Pal
- Department of Anaesthesiology, St Andrew's Hospital, Billericay, Essex, UK
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Webster DP, Pellegrini L, Duffy K. Use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for fingertip analgesia: a pilot study. Ann Emerg Med 1992; 21:1472-5. [PMID: 1443846 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)80064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine if transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can produce fingertip analgesia. DESIGN Randomized, crossover trial. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen healthy volunteers, naive to the technique of TENS. INTERVENTIONS TENS stimulation was applied to the middle and ring fingers of each subject's hands by means of small carbon electrodes placed over the digital nerves. Patients received one fingertip puncture from a mechanically driven sterile lancet device to each digit corresponding to one of four conditions: sham, one minute of TENS, ten minutes of TENS, and 20 minutes of TENS. The TENS unit was operated in the "burst" mode, with two eight-pulse burst groups per second (pulse width, 225 mu sec; pulse frequency, 80 Hz). The order of the conditions and the finger used for each condition were assigned randomly. The pain of each puncture was rated on a 10-cm visual-analog scale. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with Duncan's multiple comparisons procedure. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Mean visual-analog scale scores decreased sequentially from sham in each experimental condition: one minute of TENS, 24.4% (P < .025); ten minutes of TENS, 28.2% (P < .025); and 20 minutes of TENS, 55.7% (P < 10(-6)). Two patients had total anesthesia of the fingertip (visual-analog scale = 0 cm) in the 20-minute TENS condition. CONCLUSION TENS significantly reduces the pain of lancet-induced trauma to the fingertip. Further studies are warranted to determine if this technique is useful clinically as an alternative or adjunct to digital nerve block anesthesia for fingertip surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Webster
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Illinois
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kinsella
- Department of Anaesthesia, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland
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